Superintendent Gormley releases updates for the week of March 30

FROM THE DESK OF THE SUPERINTENDENT

I begin today by sharing a message with all of you that I received in an email from Pastor Shelly Davis from East Congregational Church on behalf of Milton’s Interfaith Clergy Association:

On behalf of the entire Milton Interfaith Clergy Association I write with our deep gratitude and unending prayers for each of you, the entire staff of our MPS, and all your families and loved ones.

These unprecedented times are asking each of us to make phenomenal adaptive changes on a moment’s notice and your rapid, compassionate, comprehensive response and contributions are nothing short of heroic. 

Please know that we are holding each of you in all our different ways of praying as you continue to educate our children and youth —and everyone of us—in new and challenging, exciting and daunting ways.

Please remember to dedicate time to caring for your selves too, so that you can continue caring for all whom you have never stopped educating.

I asked Pastor Shelly for permission to share her words as they echo the many, many emails I have received and they also encapsulate much of what I want to say to you today.

All of us – staff, students and families – are experiencing an unprecedented time in our nation’s history.  None of us were prepared for the changes we are currently facing.  As you and your family grapple with this new reality, our goal is to support you while we continue to remotely connect with your children, in a way that acknowledges these changes while continuing to keep learning alive for our students.

In the Milton Public Schools COVID-19 School Closure Remote Learning Plan section below, you will read more about the specifics of the Remote Learning Model which we crafted under the guidelines of the DESE guidance document linked here. This Remote Learning Plan document is the foundation for remote learning in the Milton Public Schools for the days and weeks to come.

Our teachers and administrators have been working to find the best possible realistic and sustainable remote learning plans for students. This may look a bit different for each class as teachers know their classes best. There are as many ways to make remote learning successful as there are students in our schools, and our teachers are adapting quickly to what platforms will be successful for their students.

As always, parents and guardians know their individual student best. As you navigate this school closure, please continue to communicate with your child’s teacher, as you would if school were in session. If your child is struggling to complete the work, if your current family situation does not allow for much schoolwork right now, if you would like access to additional resources – contact your child’s teacher, school adjustment counselor and/or principal. They need and want to know.

We know you are receiving a lot of MPS emails right now. This is especially true for families with multiple children and for those with children at Pierce and MHS where students have multiple teachers. Teachers are trying to be sure important classroom information gets to you – and your student – which creates a lot of communication. We hear you and are trying to streamline what you receive from us. Please know that you will
receive my weekly blog on Thursdays, and an email from your principal at the beginning of each week. Individual teachers are developing ways to effectively communicate in the coming weeks. Any feedback is welcome as we continue this process.

In closing, I want to share the video clips below. You have probably seen professional and college musicians sharing compilations of performances in the past several days. Now you can see our own MHS musicians do the same! MHS student Barron Clancy undertook the engineering of both recordings below. Thank you to Barron and these talented MHS musicians!

Watch and enjoy violinists Sam Higgins and Barron Clancy perform Handel and also a Handel Concerto Grosso Allegro performed by Sam Higgins, Barron Clancy, Dominique Thomas, Aoife Ruth and Claire Walko. Watch the videos here and here.

The priority of the Milton Public Schools is and will always be the health and safety of our students and staff members. We remain committed to supporting every student, family and staff member as we work together to support each other in the days, weeks and months to follow.

IMPORTANT MPS DATES

The MPS school calendar remains the same  as if school were in session, with No School/No Remote Learning on Good Friday (April 10th) and April vacation (April 20-24). In addition,  I contacted Rabbi Alfred Benjamin and he confirmed that Passover Observance is from sundown April 8th – sundown on April 16th. In honor and recognition of the Biblical Festival of Passover, the Jewish holiday that commemorates freedom from slavery in Egypt, Milton Public Schools will consider it an excused absence for those who, in their observance of the holiday, do not log in to on-line classes on April 8, 15 and 16.

IMPORTANT MPS CONTACTS

• Mary Gormley, Superintendent of Schools,  [email protected]
• Glenn Pavlicek, Assistant Superintendent for Business Affairs, [email protected]
• Dr. Karen Spaulding, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Human Resources, [email protected]
• MHS Principal James Jette,  [email protected]
• PMS Principal Bill Fish,  [email protected]
• Glover Principal Karen McDavitt,  [email protected]
• Cunningham Principal Jon Redden,  [email protected]
• Tucker Principal Dr. Elaine McNeil-Girmai,  [email protected]
• Collicot Principal Holly Concannon,  [email protected]
• Director of Pupil Personnel Services, Special Education, Susan Maselli [email protected]
• Director of Food Service Jackie Morgan,  [email protected]
• Family Outreach Liaison Marti O’Keefe McKenna, [email protected]
• Milton Health Department Caroline Kinsella, [email protected]

MPS school Adjustment Counselors:  Jennie Beliveau, Mary Bianca Mattocks, Kenneth Adelmann (Milton High School); Myriam Francoeur, Kara Sheridan, Kelly Dearing (Pierce) Jaclyn Germano (Cunningham); Elizabeth Caruso (Collicot) ; Ramsay Cadet (Tucker) Brian Powers, Christine Howley (Glover)

Central Office is staffed every day (we are practicing safe social distancing) and you can reach the Superintendent’s office any time via phone at 617-686-4808 or via email.

We have compiled a comprehensive and ever changing list of Frequently Asked Questions linked here. It will be linked on the front of our website and shared in each blog post. Please refer back to it often.

REMOTE LEARNING

MPS STAFF NEWS 

It is with great pleasure that I share with you this good news story. Our own Cunningham principal Jonathan Redden has officially completed his Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Educational Leadership from Boston College with his successful defense of his dissertation this week! The new Dr. Redden, along with several colleagues,  defended remotely, and I had the distinct pleasure of watching Dr. Redden speak about his dissertation, entitled: Leadership for Inclusive Practices: Supporting Special Education Needs of Students in the General Education Classroom.

I know you will join me, and the Cunningham and MPS community below, in sending a big Congratulations to Dr. Jonathan Redden!

FOOD SERVICE

The MPS Food Service effort continued this week with Wednesday pick up of weekly to-go bags of breakfasts and lunches for any Milton student. Weekly to-go bags with 5 breakfasts and 5 lunches are available for pick up every Wednesday from 8-9am and 5-6pm at MHS and Tucker.

These FREE 5 day to-go bags contain low sugar cereal, shelf stable milk, sunbutter and jelly sandwiches, grilled cheese sandwiches, fresh fruit, fresh vegetables, and snack bags. ANY Milton family is welcome to pick up a weekly to-go bag as the goal is to support any food insecure student.

This past Wednesday, Jackie Morgan and our Food Service team gave out 185  weekly bags for a total of 1850 meals distributed this week. This FREE service will be available throughout the school closure.   

If you have a hardship and are in need of more convenient hours for pick up, please contact Food Service Director Jackie Morgan via email at [email protected] or phone at 617-898-1051. MPS families in need of support during this time are also encouraged to email MPS Family Outreach Liaison Marti O’Keefe McKenna at [email protected] or by phone at 617-980-7343.

HIGH SCHOOL HAPPENINGS

MHS students and staff have been participating in a virtual book club to stay connected. This is not your typical book club. Based on feedback from our members the purpose is to share recommendations of books and audiobooks, listen to podcasts, read short stories, and reflect. Each week a new activity is posted for individuals to participate at their leisure. This has been a fun way to maintain our sense of community while we are away from school.

If you are an MHS student interested in joining contact MHS librarian JT. There are also many book club resources available online if you are interested in starting your own with your family, friends or community members. Happy reading!

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Course verification forms have been emailed for any student attending Milton High School for the 2020-2021 school year. Students are asked to check their school emails for the course verification forms. If a student wishes to make a change, please  submit this Course Verification Changes Form. All changes need to be submitted by Thursday, April 9th.
Questions?  Students/parents/guardians should email Karen Cahill  or Ben Kelly, with questions.

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MEFA has cancelled all in-person After the College Acceptance (ACA)Seminars.
However,  MEFA is now offering Family Webinars on ACA, College Admissions and College Financing. Please see attached MEFA update for more information.

PIERCE PAGES 

Team Phoenix sent a fun message home to their students this week. We know how much our staff and students are missing each other right now! You can watch their video message to students here.

INSIDE OUR ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS

First Grade Lottery Update: First  grade placements were made on Thursday, April 2. Each school will have the same number of first grade classrooms next year as it has Kindergarten classrooms this year. Based upon parent/guardian choice, the distribution of programs is as follows: Cunningham and Collicot will each have one French Immersion and three English Innovation Pathways first grade classes. Tucker will have two English and two French classes. Glover will have three English and two French classes.

As a result of this distribution, we have waiting lists for French Immersion at the Collicot and Glover schools, but still have French Immersion seats available at Cunningham and Tucker. Central Office will begin making calls to parents and guardians on the district-wide waiting list offering them the opportunity to take a French seat at a different school while maintaining their spot on their current school’s waiting list.  As always, we will be monitoring this situation and continuing to make placements throughout the summer and into the first ten days of next school year.

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Mrs. Fahey does a CARDio Dance, Play a little Slam Ball with Ms. Finnegan; Mrs. Fahey shows us the Sid Shuffle 

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Although students are at home, the science doesn’t stop! Elementary students across the district are keeping busy completing fun science and STEM activities with their families. All daily science assignments are posted on the MPS at home learning website. You will also find additional STEM challenges each week.  Please continue to send pictures or videos of science in action at your home to Elementary Science Coordinator, Ellen Lohan. Here is a great Rube Goldberg video Ms. Lohan received this week.

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Last Friday, March 20th, was Rock Your Socks Day at MPS! Our students and staff Rocked their Socks at home in support of World Down Syndrome Day and we shared those pictures last week. In this video by Glover’s Ms. Craven, you can see the Glover community Rocking their  Socks!

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The staff and families at Collicot are spending a lot of extra time in the kitchen these days and they share their favorite recipes here. Take a look at their recipe book here – maybe you’ll be inspired to try something new this week! 

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Glover students spent time this week creating Vision Boards. Now is a great time to take stock of who we are and where we are going.  Thanks for the idea, Glover! We love seeing the future these Glover students envision.

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Cunningham students and staff spent time this week reading and sharing their favorite books this week.

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Tucker students and staff are participating in Spirit Week this week. They’ve had Motivate Monday, Tucker Pride Tuesday, Wacky Wednesday, Thankful Thursday and Fancy Friday. Their creativity and spirit has been contagious!

TECHNOLOGY 

Google Classroom: Many teachers in the Milton Public Schools use Google Classroom to help manage their class.  This is not a requirement for teachers. It is a common misconception that family members can join a Google Classroom.  Only students and staff in the miltonps.org domain have the right to join a Google Classroom. Teachers can invite family members to receive summaries.  For more information on Guardian Summaries please click here.

Families have asked how to help their students turn in assignments on Google Classroom. Here are instructions on how a student can turn in an assignment on Google Classroom.

Elementary families who need support with their student’s Google username and password, please email your student’s teacher for this information.

PlusPortal: If you need support navigating PlusPortals here are support instructions and tutorials. If you need help with your username and/or password please contact the following individuals: Elementary- Jen Van Hill; Pierce –  Jess Royster; MHS-  J Troy

EverFi Remote Learning: EverFi has offered enrichment lessons for students at all grade levels.  In these lessons, students will learn about real-world skills like career readiness, financial literacy, and health & wellness.

Your student can go through these online resources independently and will be asked to show learning through mini-quizzes at the end of each lesson.

Here is each school’s flyer with more information on the modules offered at each grade level along with how to create an account for your student. Collicot, Cunningham, Glover, MHS, Pierce, and Tucker

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Educational Technology Director AJ Melanson shares the following enrichment materials you may find helpful in the coming weeks.

K-2 Screen Time Leisure Activities; 3-5 Screen Time Leisure Activities; Common Sense Media’s Events and Activities for Kids at Home

Many in the Milton Public Schools participated in “Light it up Blue” this week in recognition of people with autism and those who love and support them. It was great to see so much blue in the homes of MPS staff and students!

SPECIAL EDUCATION 

Administrator for Pupil Personnel Services, Susan Maselli, shares the following. She can be reached anytime via email.

The Office of Pupil Personnel Services wants to thank families who were able to join in our “coffee” parent check-ins this week. If you are still interested, please email Patty Lesenechal to sign up for a google hang out. This is an opportunity for parental connections during school closure.

In the coming week you will be hearing from your student’s special education staff regarding your student’s Remote Learning Plan as outlined in the last email update. Please be certain to reach out with any questions. We recognize that for many of our students, this plan will evolve slowly over time and may change as we consider all the variables that impact remote learning and engagement. This past week, I have worked closely with all special education staff Prek-22 to discuss how we can support special education learning during this school closure, and am excited to see all the ideas they have already begun to implement on behalf of your students. If you have not opened the link from Dr. Spaulding’s communication regarding the Remote Learning Plan for students with special education, I would encourage you to do so so you might review the Learning Plan Template. This document will record how your student will receive support. For most students, this document will change over time as staff respond to students’ engagement in learning. Your child’s special education team chairperson will be the person to facilitate the development of this document and can address any questions you have during this time.

We will continue to provide you updates both in this blog, as well as each principal’s weekly newsletters. Thank you for your continued support of this work as we work together to refine support for Milton students who have disabilities. Please reach out with any questions.

FAMILY OUTREACH LIAISON 

We hope many families are taking advantage of the MPS Food Service To-Go Program. Each Wednesday, families can pick up 5 days of breakfasts and lunches. Pick up times are 8-9am and 5-6pm at both the Tucker School (behind the school) and Milton High School (on the Canton Ave side of the building). ANY Milton family is welcome to pick up a weekly to-go bag as the goal is to support any food insecure student.

In addition, the Milton Food Pantry will be open this Saturday, April 4th from 9:15 – 11:15am with pre-bagged food ready to go for anyone that is in need. The pantry has shifted to an every other Saturday schedule including April 4th, 10th, May 2nd, 16th, 30th. Social distancing will be practiced throughout the process. If you are in need of food outside of those hours please call the Food Pantry line at (617) 696-0221 and leave your name, address, and how many people are in your family and that you are requesting a donation of food. Volunteers are ready to pick up the food and deliver.

The Interfaith Social Services Food Pantry, located at 105 Adams St., Quincy is open Monday – Friday, 10-11:45am and Wednesdays 5-7pm for families in need during this difficult time. The food pantry asks those families arriving by car to please remain in your vehicle and you will be directed by a volunteer. Those who walk to the pantry are also welcome and should enter through the pantry lobby. New clients are welcome.

Milton Public Schools is committed to being a resource for you. Whether you are unsure of how to connect with school staff or directly need a referral for services or supplies please don’t hesitate to reach out to Marti O’Keefe McKenna, MPS Family Outreach Liaison at 617-980-7343 or by email at [email protected]. All calls and emails are confidential.

INTERFACE REFERRAL SERVICE 

COUNSELING CORNER 

Each week, one of our MPS Adjustment Counselors will share information or resources. Last week, Cunningham’s Ms. Germanno  wrote to the MPS community. This week,  Ms. Dearing from Pierce checks in.

I frequently tell students at Pierce I have the world’s greatest job. I earn a living encouraging kids and teaching them how to be the very best version of themselves. I help them learn how to keep their thoughts as positive and realistic as they can, how to not let their feelings be the boss of them and to show the world how unique and amazing they are through the choices they make and the things that they do. I sometimes use a simple equation to help illustrate this, Thoughts + Feelings = Behavior. The way we think about ourselves, the world around us and the things that happen to us has a great deal to do with how we feel about those things and what we do with those feelings. Today, I want to encourage all of you as the adults that make up the Milton Public School community to consider the same equation paying particular attention to your thoughts.

As parents, guardians and educators, we all want to provide the children in our lives with the support they need to make it through this difficult time. We are worried about them. We are also worried about family, friends, jobs, bills, money, health issues, and the list goes on…One of the best ways to keep these worrisome thoughts from becoming the driver of our “feeling’s bus” is to take the time we need to pay attention to our own emotional well-being, spend a few minutes each day to regain some control over our thoughts, and think about how we as individuals are making it through this new way of living.

Consider the following questions as frequently as you need to help positively impact your emotions and better manage the way you are coping:

• Have you set up a structure and routine that works for you? If it is not working, determine what is within your power to change and change it. Tomorrow or next week just might go a bit more smoothly.
• Are you staying connected to the people and activities that cause you to feel supported, cared for, healthy and more peaceful? Actively seek out these things and build them into your daily routine.
• Are you taking the time you need to grieve your own losses with routines and past way of living? It is important to acknowledge these losses in order to move through them and function in a healthy way.
• Are you forgiving yourself and others as needed? This “new normal” is not normal and none of us are perfect humans. You are going to make mistakes in
  the days and weeks ahead. Be gentle with yourself, the people around you and stay hopeful. Tomorrow is one more shot to get it right.

Adults have tremendous power to influence how children cope with stressful events. They take their cues from us. One of the most important things we can do for the young people in our lives is to model emotionally healthy behavior. The only way this is possible is to take good care of ourselves. When students leave the calm of my office and walk out the door into the crazy ups and downs of the great middle school adventure, I frequently tell them, “You rock!” or “You’ve got this!” The same is true for all of you. “You rock and you’ve got this”! Spend the time you need each day to take good care of yourself and please let us know if there is anything we can do to help you.

Your MPS school Adjustment Counselors:  Jennie Beliveau, Mary Bianca Mattocks, Kenneth Adelmann (Milton High School); Myriam Francoeur, Kara Sheridan, Kelly Dearing (Pierce) Jaclyn Germano (Cunningham); Elizabeth Caruso (Collicot) ; Ramsay Cadet (Tucker) Brian Powers, Christine Howley (Glover)

MILTON FOUNDATION FOR EDUCATION

What do April showers bring? The Jeep Raffle!  The socially distant raffle drawing will be Saturday night at 7:45 live on Facebook! Tickets are SOLD OUT – please continue to support the mission of the Milton Foundation for Education by donating at this link.

Tune into The MFE FB page on Saturday night!

ART AND MUSIC 

MPS music teacher  Colleen Martin made this short video for students. You can watch her version of Aiken Drum here.

Create your own version of your man in the moon! Draw, collage, sing your version, or find another way to share what your Aiken Drum looks like! What are his eyes made out of? His nose, his hair, his body? Share your pictures with your teacher through email! In addition, this is where you can share a silly rhyme for “Down By the Bay.” Email Ms.Colleen Martin ; Mr.Gary Good or Mrs.April Allegrezza with your submission.

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Milton FAME (Friends and Advocates of Music Education) is currently hosting two fundraisers to support music programs and education in the Milton Public Schools!

MHS Senior and saxophonist extraordinaire, Caleb Smith is raising money for the Applied Music Lesson Program by doing a two day bike ride across the state of Massachusetts, May 30-31.  In Caleb’s words, “The physical challenge will be a testament to the gratefulness I feel towards the music department at Milton High.  I hope the money raised will pave the way for deserving kids, who otherwise could not afford to pursue music, grow as musicians and be a part of this amazing department!”  Read more about Caleb and donate to his go fund me page here.  Any amount is greatly appreciated!  

We have another fun fundraiser going on till May 7th through Boon Supply (formerly Mixed Bags).  Boon offers eco-friendly, stylish items in the areas of Waste-Free Living, Character Matters, Bags, Kitchen and Organization, Gifting and Accessories, Travel and On-The-Go, and Food.  Order anything from the on-line catalogue and FAME will receive 40% of the sale.  There is something for everyone!!   Items you order will be shipped directly to your home address.  Check out their catalogue here!

ATHLETICS

Senior Student-Athlete Spotlight
Each day we will spotlight our senior student-athletes from the spring season. Our student-athletes have worked for years towards their senior year. Some are captains, some are playing their last competitive season, others were looking for a 3rd straight State Title. Social Distancing will without a doubt save lives, but for our student-athletes, right now, it still hurts to miss out on their final season. Let’s give them the recognition they deserve! Here are this week’s highlights.

As Coach Dolan puts it, “Anthony Barros-Goncalves is a fleet footed winger. As a part of the back-to-back State Champion Rugby Team, he has a sweet burst of speed on the outside which is almost impossible to defend against. When the fire in his eyes lights up, get out of the way.

Olivia DiManno is one of the hardest working student-athletes in the school. Regardless if it’s Field Hockey, Basketball, or Lacrosse (she captains all three teams), she is always the one hustling. She leads by example and is not afraid to stand up for her teammates. Her leadership and attitude will definitely be missed next year!

Pat Kennedy – Pat delivered big time this indoor season and he looked poised to do the same in the outdoor season. Dropping his personal bests virtually every time he stepped on the track. Patrick entered the season running in the high 4:40s for the mile, but by the end of the season ran a 4:35! Consistently one of the hardest workers in practice, Pat’s efforts led to huge gains. When we needed points in our dual meets, Pat stepped up and did his part. Also, ran strong lead-off legs on our 4×800 relay. Looking forward to following Pat as he continues to improve as a collegiate athlete.

Grace Sullivan – Sullivan’s hard work and determination were the epitome of the Milton High School girls distance running program. She improved considerably this indoor season and despite an injury that sidelined her for most of the championship meets, Grace consistently proved to be one of the girls top distance runners. Grace will continue to run and study at Bryant University in the fall of 2020.

Rob Ricciardi – Coach Lynch described this student the best. “Former goalie, future stud defense-man. Brings 150 volts of electricity to every practice and game. Double major in football and lacrosse, minors in hockey. All around good guy most of the time. Favorite quote- “Here come the penalties” –Rob Ricciardi”

Finn Doherty – Doherty is a 2-year captain. He was the winning pitcher in last year’s tournament game, which was Milton’s first playoff win in a couple years. He will be heading to Salve University next year to play Baseball. Finn was also a captain for the Hockey Team, which returned to the State Tournament this past season.

Johnny Carey – Johnny is a true Cinderella Story! After being cut from the Baseball Program his freshman year, Carey cracked the starting line-up his sophomore year. He would go on to score the game-winning run against Newton North in his first start, earning Milton’s first win over the Tigers in nearly 10 years! He is now a captain, as voted on by his peers! Johnny also played Hockey during his time at Milton High School.

Olivia Murphy – Olivia played Field Hockey, Ice Hockey and Softball during her high school career. This spring, Olivia was going to challenge herself and play tennis! She’s shown passion, determination and dedication in her 4 years here as a Wildcat- Good luck in all your future endeavors!

COMMUNITY NEWS